Podcast 352: Inside The Mindset of A Secret Service Agent with Rachel Otto

On this week’s episode of the WHOOP Podcast, WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance, Principal Scientist, Dr. Kristen Holmes sits down with Rachel Otto, the first female operator of the United States Secret Service Counter Assault Team.

Rachel recounts her journey from playing Division I volleyball at The Citadel, to her experience in law enforcement, becoming a federal agent in New York City, and protecting various heads of state. Rachel shares what it takes to protect the President and Vice President, from maintaining elite readiness for split-second decision making to managing sleep consistency across time zones. Dr. Holmes and Rachel breakdown the recovery, fitness, and discipline needed to thrive in a highly demanding, high-stakes job.

Episode Chapters

00:47 - Meet Rachel Otto: First female United States Secret Service counter-assault agent

02:57 - Skillset and training of a counter-assault agent

05:06 - WHOOP podcast rapid fire questions

06:00 - Rachel’s experience at The Citadel

12:03 - Operating in a male-dominated field and adapting to environments

14:27 - Rachel’s experience as a law enforcement officer

16:22 - The mental aspect: How to stay focused in a high-stress environment

18:55 - Crucial lifestyle choices to show up as a federal agent

24:05 - Becoming a federal agent

27:51 - Maintaining consistency and discipline

37:45 - What it's like protecting the president

41:54 - Circadian rhythm, sleep, and tracking metrics

50:39 - Rachel’s training: CrossFit, Hyrox, and exercise snacks

59:02 - Advice for young girls getting into the field